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Best Local Coffee Shops That Aren’t Starbucks

As we get closer to finals, the coffee addict in us begins to emerge. With a Starbuckson every corner, it’s easy to forget about visiting local coffee shops. Here’s a quick guide to some of our local hidden gems:

Zero X (Pomona)Image via Yelp

Zero X opened its doors this past spring and Cosmopolitan magazine has already named it California’s best coffee shop for 2016. Zero X is conveniently located near campus on Temple Ave. and offers a variety of unique coffee drinks that will get your taste buds going! In addition to coffee, the shop also serves specialty drinks, ice cream sundaes and macarons.

Fun Fact: You can buy a reusable glass bottle for $1.50 and get 10 percent off future drink purchases when you bring your bottle back.

Recommended Drinks:

Coffee Horchata

Matchata (Matcha and Horchata)

Pink Guava

Mi Cafecito Coffee (Pomona)Image via Yelp

Mi Cafecito Coffee is located in the heart of Downtown Pomona and if you haven’t explored that area yet, you should! Mi Cafecito Coffee gives you a break from your traditional cup of joe and allows you to taste coffee from regions such as Mexico, Argentina and Cuba. The shop also offers tasty pastries such as tres leches cake, cheesecake flan and sweet bread.

Their location might throw you off since it’s attached to BodyLove spin studio, but don’t let that stop you! The Dirty Penguin takes pride in brewing and selling Stumptown coffee, so it’s hard not to fall in love with their iced lattes. The shop also has a stocked fridge with juices, coconut water and plenty of Stumptown products to grab and go.

Fun Fact: You’ll know you’re at the right spot when you see their hot pink neon sign!

Recommended Drinks:

Salted Caramel Latte

Horchata Latte

Nitro Cold Brew

Dripp (Chino Hills)Image via Yelp

One word: affogato. Affo-what-o? For those of you unfamiliar with this delicious treat, an affogato is vanilla ice cream drowned with a shot of hot espresso. So if you haven’t tried an affogato, Dripp should be your next stop! Dripp also offers more traditional espressos, teas and cold brews, along with ice cream and baked goods. Dripp is conveniently located off the 71 freeway at the The Shoppes at Chino Hills, making it a short drive from campus.

Fun Fact: Get 10 percent off pastries or coffee from 8-10 a.m. (Monday-Friday) by checking in on the Yelp app!

Recommended Drinks:

Affogato

Bonbon

Spanish Latte

To review our other local coffee shop hot spots, check out this story here!

Tell us which local coffee shop caught your eye! Share with us using the hashtag, #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat @ASICPP!